SAN BERNARDINO CRIMINAL DEFENSE · SINCE 1974
High-Profile Felony Defense in San Bernardino
When a serious felony charge becomes news, the case is fought in two places: the courtroom and the public eye. Your defense should account for both from the first day.
When a felony case draws public attention.
Some cases attract cameras, reporters, and online commentary almost immediately: a serious violent felony, an accused public official or well-known local figure, or an event dramatic enough to make headlines. The charge may be the same one anyone else would face, but the pressure around it is very different.
James M. Glick has practiced criminal defense since 1974. He is a San Bernardino native, and about 99% of his cases are in San Bernardino County. That long familiarity with the local courts and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office helps him give you a realistic picture of what is ahead, inside the courtroom and outside it.
Public statements, social media posts, and conversations with reporters can become evidence or shape how potential jurors see you. The first priority is usually to stop talking about the case and put a plan in place.
Handling the press, protecting your privacy.
Reporters may call you, your family, your employer, or your neighbors. You are not required to speak with them, and in most situations you should not. A consistent approach helps: inquiries go to counsel, and everyone close to you declines to discuss the case.
- Silence is not an admission. An offhand remark can be quoted, clipped, and repeated.
- Social media needs attention. Posts and messages can be collected by investigators and reporters. Talk with counsel before deleting anything; destroying potential evidence can create new problems.
- One voice speaks for the defense. Any public statement should be brief, accurate, and approved in advance.
Lawyers are also limited in what they may say. California Rule of Professional Conduct 3.6 generally prohibits a lawyer involved in a matter from making a public statement the lawyer knows or reasonably should know has a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing the proceeding. The rule allows a limited response that a reasonable lawyer would believe is required to protect a client from the substantial undue prejudicial effect of recent publicity the lawyer or client did not initiate.
Pretrial publicity and a fair jury.
Heavy coverage before trial can affect the pool of people who may be called as jurors. The legal system has tools to address that risk, and which ones fit depends on the facts and the coverage.
- Careful jury selection. Questioning prospective jurors about what they have heard or already believe.
- Protective and restrictive orders. In some cases a court may limit public statements by the parties or attorneys, or restrict the release of certain materials.
- Change of venue. Under Penal Code § 1033, the court shall order a change of venue on a defendant’s motion when there is a reasonable likelihood that a fair and impartial trial cannot be had in the county.
| Code section | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Penal Code § 1033 | Requires a change of venue on the defendant’s motion when there is a reasonable likelihood that a fair and impartial trial cannot be had in the county. |
| Penal Code § 859b | Sets the timeline for a felony preliminary hearing, generally within 10 court days of arraignment or plea unless time is waived or good cause is shown. |
| Penal Code § 1096 | Addresses the presumption of innocence and the prosecution’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt—regardless of news coverage. |
| Penal Code § 1538.5 | Provides a procedure to seek suppression of evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure. |
For general information about the court, its locations, and criminal case procedures, visit the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino.
Building the defense behind the scenes.
Public attention often moves faster than the evidence. Early reports can be incomplete or wrong, and witnesses may be influenced by what they read. A careful defense tests the prosecution’s version against the record. Depending on the case, that may include:
- Working with defense investigators to interview witnesses, gather video, and preserve records.
- Reviewing police reports, body-camera footage, search warrants, and digital evidence for gaps and legal problems.
- Consulting qualified experts when forensic, medical, or technical evidence is central.
Investigative work is directed by counsel so that it stays confidential and supports the legal strategy.
How a serious felony case moves in San Bernardino.
After an arrest, a person is usually booked at a facility such as the Sheriff’s Central Detention Center in San Bernardino or the West Valley Detention Center. Bail or release conditions may be addressed early. Felony cases in the San Bernardino district are generally heard at the San Bernardino Justice Center, 247 W. 3rd Street.
The first court date is the arraignment, where charges are read and a plea is entered. A felony complaint is usually followed by a preliminary hearing, where a judge decides whether the evidence is enough to require a trial. Pretrial motions, negotiations, and trial follow, and in a high-profile case each date may be watched closely.
Reputation and what comes after
Professional licenses, public office, employment, immigration status, and family matters can all be affected. Identify these concerns early so decisions about the case account for them.
Questions about high-profile criminal cases
Should I talk to reporters about my case?
Generally, no. Anything you say to the media can be quoted, taken out of context, and potentially used by the prosecution. You are not required to comment. A common approach is to refer all inquiries to your attorney and ask family members and coworkers to do the same. If a public statement is ever appropriate, it should be brief and reviewed by counsel first.
Can my case be moved out of San Bernardino County because of publicity?
Possibly. Under Penal Code § 1033, the court shall order a change of venue on the defendant’s motion when there is a reasonable likelihood that a fair and impartial trial cannot be had in the county. The decision depends on the evidence about the coverage and the community. Many high-profile cases are tried locally, with publicity addressed through careful jury selection.
What is a gag order in a criminal case?
“Gag order” is an informal term for a court order limiting what the parties or attorneys may say publicly about a pending case. Courts consider these orders case by case and must balance fair-trial concerns against free-speech and press rights. Separately, California Rule of Professional Conduct 3.6 already limits lawyers’ public statements that are likely to materially prejudice a proceeding.
Will my name be kept out of the news?
Usually not entirely. Arrest information and court filings are often public records, and reporters may lawfully report on them. What you can control is your own conduct: avoid public comment, be careful online, and route inquiries through counsel. In limited situations, a court may seal or restrict specific records, but that depends on the law and the facts.
What happens at a felony arraignment in San Bernardino?
At arraignment, the court informs you of the charges, addresses counsel, and takes a plea, which is commonly not guilty at this stage. Bail or release conditions may be reviewed, and future dates, including the preliminary hearing, are set. Felony matters in the San Bernardino district are generally heard at the San Bernardino Justice Center on West 3rd Street.
Discuss your situation privately.
If you or a family member is facing a felony investigation or charge that is drawing public attention, call James M. Glick’s office at (909) 889-1446 to request a consultation. The office is at 341 W 2nd St, Suite 4, San Bernardino.
Call the OfficeGeneral California legal information, reviewed 2026-10-18. The charge, facts, prior record, and law applicable to the case control the available defenses and remedies. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contacting the office does not establish an attorney-client relationship.